2026 Shrine Bowl Prospects Ranked
The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl practices have commenced. Scheduled for January 27 at 6 p.m. CST, the game will be streamed live on the NFL Network. It remains one of the premier all-star events in collegiate football. Under the leadership of Eric Galko, who has been the Director of Football Operations since 2021, the Shrine Bowl has attracted elite collegiate talent.
Last year’s event featured nine players selected among the top 100 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Analysts predict that this figure could increase in 2026. Many observers, including draft analysts, closely monitor the Shrine Bowl as a source of hidden gems and promising players.
2026 Shrine Bowl Prospects Overview
This year, a total of 126 players have been invited to participate. The official roster has been revealed, though new participants were announced shortly before practices began. The last-minute additions include:
- Caden Fordham, LB, NC State
- Michael Wortham, WR, Montana
- Kolbey Taylor, CB, Vanderbilt
- Lance Mason, TE, Wisconsin
- Caden Barnett, iOL, Wyoming
- Joe Cooper, OT, Slippery Rock
- Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
- Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State
- Aaron Hall, DT, Duke
- Micah Pettus, OT, Florida State
As the practices unfold, a notable portion of attention will focus on the defensive tackle position. This year’s Shrine Bowl showcases a strong class of defensive tackles, featuring several potential Day 2 picks. Among the standout prospects is Darrell Jackson Jr. from Florida State, who possesses exceptional length and run-defending abilities.
Top Defensive Prospects
The leading defensive tackle prospects, such as Dontay Corleone of Cincinnati and DeMonte Capehart from Clemson, demonstrate solid skills and impressive physicality. Other defensive players of interest include Gary Smith III from UCLA, renowned for his run-stopping capabilities, and Texas A&M’s Albert Regis, a technical run-stopper who could see his draft stock rise.
The edge rushing group does not dominate the list but offers depth. Among them, UCF’s Malachi Lawrence stands out with his explosiveness and ru*n-suppressing style. Also noteworthy are Texas’ Ethan Burke and USC’s Anthony Lucas, who bring versatility to their play.
Linebacker and Tight End Strength
This year’s Shrine Bowl is particularly robust in the linebacker and tight end positions. Jake Golday from Cincinnati is viewed as a leading linebacker prospect, showcasing impressive athleticism and size. Other linebacker talents such as Harold Perkins Jr. from LSU and Taurean York from Texas A&M are also considered promising future starters.
In the tight end category, standout players like D.J. Campbell and Eli Raridon could emerge as valuable additions to NFL teams in future drafts.
Player Rankings Snapshot
| Rank | Player | Position | School | Projected Draft Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Parker II | CB | Duke | Round 2 |
| 2 | Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati | Round 2 |
| 3 | Harold Perkins Jr. | LB | LSU | Round 2-3 |
| 4 | Darrell Jackson Jr. | DT | Florida State | Round 2-3 |
| 5 | Malachi Lawrence | EDGE | UCF | Round 2-3 |
As the event progresses, the insights gained from the Shrine Bowl will be invaluable for NFL teams and scouts preparing for the upcoming draft. Keep an eye on emerging prospects who could make a significant impact in the 2026 NFL Draft.
